One of the key differences between the two senior living communities is that assisted living offers more medical and personal care services than independent living. Also, when it comes to assisted living, meals and housekeeping services are typically included in the monthly cost of care, whereas in independent living, they may be an additional yearly or monthly fee.
Read on to learn more about the distinct benefits and features of each environment.
Assisted Living at McKnight Place
When a loved one needs a little more help because of physical or cognitive challenges, assisted living provides the ideal mix of services, care, and independence they need.
In an assisted-living community, seniors have their own living space with access to additional care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), as needed. This may include personal care such as dressing, grooming, and showering, or transportation to doctor appointments. Housekeeping, meal preparation, and laundry services are also provided along with medication management. Assisted living’s higher level of support offers a feeling of safety and security to the resident and family members.
1. Feel Safe & Benefit from Onsite Services
McKnight Place is designed to provide the warm, comfortable feeling of home in a safe and secure environment with all the supportive health services needed for our residents’ optimal well-being. All daily support services are delivered by exceptional professional staff, from the housekeepers and dining servers to the licensed nurses and nursing assistants.
For peace of mind, a licensed nurse is available onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the community’s medical healthcare director is board-certified in geriatric medicine. Most routine exams and concerns can be addressed without ever having to leave home. Residents also benefit from regular on-site visits from a dentist, podiatrist, psychiatrist, and hearing aid specialist.
Residents enjoy personalized assistance with daily tasks from caregivers, including housekeeping, laundry, and linen service. In addition, physical, occupational, speech, and restorative therapy services are all available onsite, along with salon and barber services.
However, it is worth noting that assisted-living communities don’t provide intensive hands-on medical care plans, so seniors with significant physical health conditions or cognitive challenges may need a higher level of care, such as skilled nursing or a memory care community instead.
2. Personalized Living Quarters & Gourmet Meals
Accommodations at McKnight Place are elegantly designed, much like the finest hotel suites, with bay windows, nine-foot ceilings, and spacious bathrooms. Residents can bring their own furniture and decorate their room according to their personal tastes, so it feels like home. An interior designer is always happy to assist.
Residents at McKnight Place also enjoy three healthy, chef-prepared gourmet meals each day served restaurant-style in an elegant dining room. All meals are created in collaboration with a registered dietitian, and special dietary requests are always welcome.
3. Maintain An Active Lifestyle
Inspired to live an active lifestyle, residents appreciate the expansive daily choices of engaging, diverse activities and social opportunities. With McKnight Place’s wellness programs, residents can be part of a walking club or a book club, enjoy water exercises or art classes, and join friends in the theater.
McKnight Place also provides families and friends the opportunity to spend a more relaxed time together. The warm, inviting living room and beautiful, lush garden and patios create the perfect setting for conversation and games.
With an attentive, friendly staff always available and a host of exceptional services, amenities, and necessities within easy access, McKnight Place residents enjoy more time doing what matters most to them.
Independent Living at The Gatesworth
Many self-sufficient older adults want to maintain their independence but wish to be free from the responsibilities of home maintenance. They may also be seeking more activities and companionship in their retirement. Independent-living communities can be the ideal home for these seniors.
Independent-living communities, also known as retirement communities, offer private living spaces and are designed to foster an active, carefree, and maintenance-free lifestyle complemented by a host of cultural, educational, and social activities.
These communities also offer freedom from chores such as meal preparation, if residents prefer. Meanwhile, some residents still enjoy making their own breakfast or cooking and baking. Independent living enables seniors to live the lifestyle they choose.
1. Amenities & Opportunities
These communities also provide many amenities and opportunities.
For example, at The Gatesworth, independent living residents can choose from a one- or two-bedroom luxurious private apartment home that includes a well-appointed kitchen with the finest finishes, a sunlit living room, a spa-like bathroom, and a generous walk-in closet. Each elegant, comfortable space is customized to make it feel like home. A dedicated move-in coordinator makes the transition to your private residence smooth and worry-free.
The community also offers an elegant dining room, gift shop, fitness center, warm saltwater pool, salon and spa, plus several gathering areas for playing cards, enjoying coffee or tea with friends, or simply enjoying a cozy fire with a good book. Beautifully landscaped grounds invite residents outside to enjoy the fountain, garden, and walking path.
2. Stay Active & Eat Well
The vibrant lifestyle at The Gatesworth includes participating in everything from art classes to exercise sessions to history lectures. Active adults also enjoy outings on the town with a car service available for errands, appointments, and events. Many residents also have their own cars on-site. The Gatesworth’s exceptional staff is always ready to assist residents with their daily routine, including carrying bags, bringing their car to them, or meeting any other request.
Residents can choose from three restaurants at The Gatesworth. While each has its own ambiance, from casual to elegant, all three are led by an Executive Chef. With every meal, gourmet tastes and the highest quality, healthy ingredients are always front and center.
At The Gatesworth, independent living is truly freedom to live a carefree life every day.
Finding the Right Living Environment is Critical for All Seniors
As seniors age, health, socialization, and safety issues move to the forefront of lifestyle considerations. Yet two older adults of the same age may have very different care needs and wants when it comes to senior-living options.
Finding the right living environment is essential for wellness, happiness, and quality of life. That’s why it’s important to understand the differences between independent-living communities, assisted-living communities, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), and more. We hope this blog brought a bit of clarity to the differences!
Explore Your Options
Choosing between independent and assisted living should be based on the needs of the senior. As needs change, so should the living accommodations. Some communities, such as McKnight Place, offer a variety of living options so seniors can remain in their familiar surroundings even as needs change.
Come See For Yourself
For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 314-993-3333 (Assisted Living & Memory Care) or 314-993-2221 (Skilled Nursing).